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Sharing the Code to Success

The Idea Center at Miami Dade College is opening another door to career opportunity with a new educational partnership that will help prepare students for in-demand jobs in the tech industry. As part of the national LaunchCode initiative, MDC students now have access to a free, 16-week course in computer programming that could lead to apprenticeships, additional paid training and ultimately full-time jobs at hundreds of partner companies across the country.

Learning the Harvard Way

Open to students of any major with no prior programming experience, the entry-level course is based on Harvard’s introductory computer science course and teaches students to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Through hands-on application of concepts covered in Harvard’s lectures, this course will work through topics including abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering and Web development.

“As the educational partner of LaunchCode in Miami, The Idea Center is bringing an innovative way to educate our students and our community,” said Leandro Finol, executive director of The Idea Center. “We are providing a world-class facility, trained instructors, and a network of mentors so our students not only succeed in this Harvard University-type of course but also are prepared to get a job in technology in as little as only 16 weeks.”

Opportunity Knocks

More than 250 students applied for 100 spots in the first cohort that began on March 3. After completing the in-depth course, students will be one major step closer to high-paying positions such as software developers, front-end Web developers and business intelligence analysts.

LaunchCode has provided an alternative job pathway for hundreds of candidates from all walks of life

50 percent of candidates were previously unemployed.

40 percent of candidates had no college degree.

85 percent of candidates had no computer science degree.

Apprenticeships lead to a 90 percent chance of landing a permanent position within partnered companies.

Miami Dade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Miami Dade College.
Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution which does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin,
disability, veteran’s status, ethnicity, pregnancy, sexual orientation or genetic information. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the
Office of Equal Opportunity Programs/ADA Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator, at 305.237.2577.